"Steven just had the personality that, once people met him, they were impressed with his thoroughness, his kindness and his respect for them," said his father, William Reichert, president of Reichert Builders.

William Reichert founded the company in Crete in 1970, and within a few years his son was beside him.

"Ever since he was 12 years old he's been out on the job sites," William Reichert said of his son and partner. "He was my best friend."

Reichert Builders primarily builds upscale homes in the south suburbs and in Indiana. Mr. Reichert had to satisfy customers who often were spending upward of $250,000 on a project.

Mr. Reichert said: "You are dealing with an emotional product. He took the work seriously. He always strived for perfection in the home."

Mr. Reichert was born and raised in Crete and lived in Frankfort with his family. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1986, receiving a bachelor's degree in finance and an associate's degree in architectural technology.

"His whole goal was to build," said his father.

Mr. Reichert also was very involved in the industry. For the past 10 years, he had devoted countless hours to the Southwest Suburban Builders Association, said its president, Jack Mayher.

"You wish that you could line the table with Steve Reicherts, and you would get a whole lot accomplished," Mayher said. "He was a great guy and a great asset. He took charge of things--the type of guy who grabbed the bull by the horns."

Mr. Reichert also is survived by his wife, Dena; two daughters, Allyn and Nicole Ellison-Reichert; his mother, Gerry; his birth mother, Sharon L. Fithian; and a grandmother, Florence. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Crete Funeral Home, 1182 Main St., Crete. Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church, 4101 St. Lawrence Ave., Matteson.